I was hoping for some opinions about a university contract I am being presented with.

Background information- I am supposed to be getting 2 months off during the up coming summer with one of the months being paid. The contract however does not mention anything about this. I asked the recruiter (I know, but they actually have been ok) to see about getting this put in. I was informed later that the uni was unwilling to put it in the contract because of blah, blah and something.

Question- Is it normal for a university to not mention the holiday time off and accompanying holiday pay in their contracts?

An oral promise in tandem with a written contract in China is as good as it is anywhere else in the world. In other words, I wouldn't spend that money just yet. Perhaps you could post the relevant clauses mentioning salary? It's possible that by not mentioning it, the contract is actually stronger in your favor, although if it was you probably wouldn't be posting here. What is the exact language? Also, I'm assuming this is a contract beginning in February and ending Dec 2012 or Jan 2013. Correct?

The blah stuff consisted of ideas that sounded off to me. The main thought was that the contract was the same one that is used for all the teachers and the school could not adjust it, though they already had by allowing me 500 RMB a month for housing.

Update- So, after some minor delay tactics on my end they put the summer holiday stuff in the contract while mentioning one month was payed.

Bottom line is that the contract is not that great, but for a first crack at univ. teaching I think it is bearable. I also asked to be provided with a meal card to use for lunch, but don't see it in the contract. Don't think it is worth pushing for. Any final thoughts?

uni. offered an apartment but I passed on it as it is too small. Thought the 500, considering that they do not have to offer it was ok. I have a little reserve and am planning on putting some cash into this to offset. Not too concerned about that, provided i can get a decent place for 1500-2000RMB, which does seem doable.

The question of paid summer holiday is running on another current thread.
In my exp it is unlikely you would be paid for summer (2m) unless you had signed for the following academic year.
This situation reflects (a) the ongoing employment relationship and (b) an incentive to a teacher they want to retain.